RCN responds to Nuffield Trust report

Published: 20 January 2010

Responding to the publication of a report by The Nuffield Trust on Funding and performance of healthcare systems in the four countries of the UK, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Today’s report raises some interesting points about how healthcare varies across the UK. However, measuring value for money is an extremely complex process, which must take into account the varying health needs of people in different parts the UK. Statistics on crude productivity can only paint part of the picture – detailed information on health outcomes and high quality patient care measures are also needed to inform any conclusions on performance.

“There is robust evidence that the number of nurses makes a difference to mortality rates as well as patient experience and health outcomes. The RCN has always said that quality care depends not just on there being enough nurses, but having the right numbers of nurses with the skills, training and support they need for the specialism they are working in.”

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.